RECIPES: Recipe Details

Bavarian Dream Burger

This burger is based upon the wonderful flavors of Sauerbraten with cabbage that my German grandmother used to make. I gave it a little boost by adding ginger to the mustard and to the cabbage, which seems to be a good compliment to the other flavors.

Prepare a medium-hot fire in a charcoal grill with a cover, or preheat a gas grill to medium-high heat.

To make spread, combine mustard, mayo, ginger and pepper in a small bowl and set aside.

To make sweet-sour cabbage, combine vinegar, water, ground cloves, caraway, sugar, salt & pepper in a fire-proof 10-inch nonstick skillet and place on grill rack. Stir ingredients until well blended and liquid begins to simmer. Add cabbage and stir until well blended. Cover pan for 5-6 minutes. Cabbage should be tender-crisp. Remove cabbage from pan with a slotted spoon and set into small bowl. Add gingersnap crumbs to pan and cook until mixture begins to thicken. Add cabbage back into skillet and mix well. Remove skillet from grill and allow to cool.

To make patties, heat oil in a 10-inch nonstick skillet on grill rack. Add onions and cook until slightly caramelized. Remove onions from skillet and allow to drain on paper towels. Combine wine, vinegar, ketchup, caraway seeds, clove, salt and pepper in a small bowl. Blend well. Add onions to liquid. Add crumbled bacon to liquid. Place beef into large bowl and pour mixture evenly over ground beef and mix well with fork, handling beef as little as possible to avoid compacting it. Divide the mixture into 6 equal portions and form the portions into patties. When the grill is ready, brush the grill with vegetable oil. Place the patties on the rack, cover and cook, turning once until done to preference, 5 to 7 minutes on each side for medium. One minute before removing patties from grill, place one slice of swiss cheese on top of each patty, replace cover on grill and cook until cheese is just melted. Remove patties from grill and set aside. Place onion rolls, cut side down on the outer edges of grill rack to toast lightly.
To assemble burgers, spread a generous amount of spread on cut sides of buns. On each roll bottom place 1/4 cup of cabbage, a patty, and 2 slices of dill stackers. Add roll top and serve.